Spirit of Athens Alabama Inc

Overview

Spirit of Athens Alabama Inc., operating as Athens Main Street (AMS), is a U.S. nonprofit organization dedicated to revitalizing and promoting downtown Athens, Alabama. Formed in 2006, it initially operated under the name The Spirit of Athens and was modeled after the Main Street approach.

History

Spirit of Athens was established when Alabama did not have an active Main Street State program. It worked tirelessly to promote and revitalize downtown Athens. In 2010, Alabama reinstated its State Main Street program and later, in 2013, grandfathered Spirit of Athens into the Main Street Alabama program as Spirit of Athens Alabama Inc. dba Athens Main Street[1][2].

Mission

The mission of Spirit of Athens Alabama Inc., as part of Athens Main Street, is to enhance downtown vibrancy, preserve its historic charm, empower the community of business owners, and foster a center of activity for the community. The organization focuses on education and informing citizens about matters of common interest related to the downtown area, sponsor cultural and employment initiatives, and follows the Main Street Four-Point Approach for downtown revitalization[1][3][4].

Activities and Contributions

Athens Main Street has significantly contributed to downtown Athens by:

• Establishing a Certified Farmers Market: Operating each Saturday from June to August, and on Tuesdays from May through August, promoting local produce and community engagement[1][2].
• Creating the Athens Art League and High Cotton Arts: A downtown artist incubator that supports local artists and arts education.
• Promotional Events: Organizing highly anticipated events such as street festivals and retail events that attract new visitors to the area.
• Streetscape Project: Playing a key role in enhancing walkability, improving lighting with historic lamp posts, and making sidewalks ADA-compliant[1][2].

Partnerships and Funding

Athens Main Street works closely with the City of Athens and the Limestone County Commission, as well as private organizations like the Athens Rotary Club and the Athens Limestone Chamber of Commerce. The City and County provide significant funding, covering about half of AMS's income. The rest is covered by donations from local stakeholders[2].

Governance

Spirit of Athens Alabama Inc. is governed by a diverse board of directors selected from various business categories, including retail and downtown residency, reflecting a strong commitment to its mission[2].

Financial Overview

As of 2023, Spirit of Athens Alabama Inc. reported revenue of $323,000, expenses of $188,000, total assets of $367,000, and total liabilities of $849[5].